Towns and large villages were once self contained, with most trades available to get items made or repaired, writes David Kindred.

Ipswich Star: Mr Lightning at Bridge Street Mill, Hadleigh, in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONMr Lightning at Bridge Street Mill, Hadleigh, in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

We now live in a throwaway world where it is often cheaper to buy new than to have a trader make a repair.

Ipswich Star: Blacksmith, Mr Hazel, in his Hadleigh forge in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONBlacksmith, Mr Hazel, in his Hadleigh forge in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: Engineer, Mr Dyer, at Bridge Street Mill Mr Dyer in 1945. Picture: PETER BOULTONEngineer, Mr Dyer, at Bridge Street Mill Mr Dyer in 1945. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Hadleigh-based professional photographer Peter Boulton captured life in his home town in the 1940s, with pictures of a tailor, blacksmith, rope maker, sign writer and many more. Some working in local industries in the town.

Ipswich Star: Cobbler, Mr Elliot, in his shoe shop at 76 High Street, Hadleigh. Picture: PETER BOULTONCobbler, Mr Elliot, in his shoe shop at 76 High Street, Hadleigh. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: Tailor, Fred Clarke, at 53 High Street, Hadleigh, in December 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONTailor, Fred Clarke, at 53 High Street, Hadleigh, in December 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Many of these trades have gone from smaller communities but, with Peter’s photographs, we can look back to a time when all sorts of services were within walking distance of people’s homes.

Ipswich Star: Malsters at T.W. Wilsons premises in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONMalsters at T.W. Wilsons premises in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: Worried onlookers following the aircraft crash in Ipswich, in 1957. Were you there that day?Worried onlookers following the aircraft crash in Ipswich, in 1957. Were you there that day?

Do any of Peter’s photographs bring back memories for you?

Ipswich Star: Beekeeper, Mr Reed, in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONBeekeeper, Mr Reed, in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: Basket maker, Mr Markwell, at his Angel Street, Hadleigh workshop. Picture: PETER BOULTONBasket maker, Mr Markwell, at his Angel Street, Hadleigh workshop. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Write to David Kindred, Days Gone By, Ipswich Star/EADT, Portman House, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1RS or email him.

Ipswich Star: Sign Writer, Mr Everett, in December 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONSign Writer, Mr Everett, in December 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: Tree feller, Mr Balaam. Picture: PETER BOULTONTree feller, Mr Balaam. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: A hand loom operator at Brett Weavers, Hadleigh, in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTONA hand loom operator at Brett Weavers, Hadleigh, in 1946. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: A lorry and bus service was operated by Benjamin Beeston, this photograph was taken in May 1947. Picture: PETER BOULTONA lorry and bus service was operated by Benjamin Beeston, this photograph was taken in May 1947. Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)

Ipswich Star: Hadleigh baker Mr Bloomfield making bread in November 1946. Do you remember Mr Bloomfield? Picture: PETER BOULTONHadleigh baker Mr Bloomfield making bread in November 1946. Do you remember Mr Bloomfield? Picture: PETER BOULTON (Image: Dave Kindred)